Armed with scientific research, park officials have for the past eight years been shutting down artificial water points.
"We are not trying to control anything. We are allowing nature to take its course," said William Mabasa, Kruger National Park's spokesman.
Until 1994, the park's elephant population was controlled through the highly controversial method of culling. The mass slaughter of elephants sparked huge public outcry and condemnation.
Mabasa said research showed that the water-for-game programme which was launched in the 1960s during severe droughts had not produced positive results.
"The results were not good as it changed the behaviour of many animals with many, including elephants, often congregating in areas that they usually would not move into or be found in."
Now, after eight years of research, the effects of Mother Nature are starting to show, he said.
He said the programme was aimed at limiting the supply of water in the park provided by artificial methods, such as dams.
"It is part of a larger ecological programme, and while it slows the growth rates of elephant populations, it does the same for other animals as well."
The results, in terms of slowing down the growth rates, had yielded positive results, he said.
The results, said Mabasa, were that elephant population growth rates had dropped from more than 6% to 2%. He said the time between pregnancies was now at least 18 months longer.
"It is nature taking control," Mabasa said.
Dr Sam Ferreira, SANParks' large mammal ecologist, speaking to the Conservation Action Trust, said the park was restoring natural patterns.
"We've closed boreholes and we're removing some dams," Mabasa said.
"We've also dropped fences between ourselves and Mozambique in the north and private reserves in the west, allowing more spatial range," he added.
Source: The Times
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